What To Know
- The Aorus Elite boasts a sleek black and silver design with angular accents, while the Pro-VDH features a more understated black and gray aesthetic.
- The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite employs a 12-phase power design, while the MSI B550M Pro-VDH utilizes a 10-phase design.
- The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite features a large heatsink over the VRM area, while the MSI B550M Pro-VDH uses a more modest heatsink design.
In the realm of PC building, selecting the right motherboard is crucial. For those seeking a budget-friendly option compatible with AMD’s latest Ryzen processors, the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite and MSI B550M Pro-VDH emerge as compelling choices. This comprehensive comparison delves into the key features, performance, and value proposition of these two motherboards, guiding you towards an informed decision.
Form Factor and Design
Both the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite and MSI B550M Pro-VDH adopt the compact Micro-ATX form factor, ideal for smaller builds or budget-conscious users. The Aorus Elite boasts a sleek black and silver design with angular accents, while the Pro-VDH features a more understated black and gray aesthetic.
Chipset and Socket
At the heart of these motherboards lies the AMD B550 chipset, providing support for AMD’s Ryzen 5000, 4000, and 3000 series processors. The B550 chipset offers a robust feature set, including PCIe 4.0 support for high-speed NVMe SSDs and graphics cards.
Expansion Slots
The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite and MSI B550M Pro-VDH offer a similar selection of expansion slots. Both motherboards feature a single PCIe 4.0 x16 slot for your graphics card, a PCIe 3.0 x4 slot for additional storage or peripherals, and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots for smaller expansion cards.
Memory Support
When it comes to memory support, the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite and MSI B550M Pro-VDH both support up to 128GB of DDR4 memory. The Aorus Elite supports speeds up to 5333MHz, while the Pro-VDH maxes out at 4400MHz.
Storage Options
Both motherboards provide ample storage options. The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite features four SATA 6Gb/s ports and two M.2 slots, one supporting PCIe 4.0 x4 and the other PCIe 3.0 x4. The MSI B550M Pro-VDH also offers four SATA 6Gb/s ports but only has a single M.2 slot that supports PCIe 3.0 x4.
Connectivity
The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite and MSI B550M Pro-VDH provide a comprehensive range of connectivity options. Both motherboards include Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.1. The Aorus Elite features a 2.5GbE LAN port for faster network performance, while the Pro-VDH lacks this feature.
Power Delivery
The power delivery system is crucial for stable and efficient performance. The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite employs a 12-phase power design, while the MSI B550M Pro-VDH utilizes a 10-phase design. Both motherboards are capable of handling high-powered CPUs, but the Aorus Elite’s superior power delivery may provide a slight edge in overclocking potential.
Cooling
Proper cooling is essential for maintaining optimal system performance. The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite features a large heatsink over the VRM area, while the MSI B550M Pro-VDH uses a more modest heatsink design. Both motherboards have additional headers for CPU and case fans to ensure adequate airflow.
Price and Value
The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite and MSI B550M Pro-VDH are priced similarly, typically ranging from $150 to $200. The Aorus Elite offers a slightly more premium feature set, including the 2.5GbE LAN port and a better power delivery system. However, the Pro-VDH provides a solid foundation for budget-conscious builds.
Ultimate Choice
Ultimately, the choice between the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite and MSI B550M Pro-VDH depends on your specific needs and budget. If you prioritize overclocking potential, premium features, and the best possible performance, the Aorus Elite is the superior option. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable and still capable motherboard, the Pro-VDH represents excellent value.
The Final Verdict
Both the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite and MSI B550M Pro-VDH offer compelling options for budget-friendly B550 motherboards. The Aorus Elite stands out with its premium features and enhanced power delivery, while the Pro-VDH provides a solid foundation for entry-level builds. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual requirements and budget.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Which motherboard has better VRM cooling?
A: The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite features a larger heatsink over the VRM area, providing better cooling than the MSI B550M Pro-VDH.
Q: Does the MSI B550M Pro-VDH support PCIe 4.0?
A: Yes, the MSI B550M Pro-VDH supports PCIe 4.0 for both the graphics card and M.2 slot.
Q: Which motherboard has more SATA ports?
A: Both the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite and MSI B550M Pro-VDH feature four SATA 6Gb/s ports.
Q: Is the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite compatible with AMD Ryzen 5000 series processors?
A: Yes, the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite is compatible with AMD Ryzen 5000, 4000, and 3000 series processors.
Q: Does the MSI B550M Pro-VDH have Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth?
A: Yes, the MSI B550M Pro-VDH includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity.
